What health food and self-care products are new and trending for 2025?

There are always new innovations when it comes to health products and I love to see what people are coming up with to further health and wellness. At the Canadian Health Food Association (CHFA) trade show in Toronto last fall, there were a few product innovations that stood out to me.

By the way, I’m not personally endorsing any of these products, only sharing some observations. When it comes to products that stood out in good ways or impressed me, those are specifically listed in section 9 below. The rest I find interesting and withhold any judgement or endorsement until further notice.

1 – Adding “nutraceutical” ingredients to foods and drinks

These mostly included adding specific nutrients or related ingredients to some common packaged foods and beverages.

For example:

• Adding nitrogen gas to drinks to make them creamy without dairy (matcha, oat latte)
• Protein (collagen) is now in some hydration crystals
• Caffeine added to protein bars or chocolates to give an added energy boost
• Electrolytes are now in some non-alcoholic “near” beers so they are touted as post-workout “functional” beverages

Collagen protein added to hydration crystals

Caffeine added to chocolate

Caffeine is now in some protein bars

Post-workout “near” beer with added electrolytes

My thoughts on adding or fortifying foods and drinks with nutraceutical ingredients is that offering more nutrition to customers is a great idea. For example, people who are eating protein bars for their workouts may benefit from also getting caffeine and those who drink electrolytes to counteract minerals lost from sweating may benefit from an extra boost of protein.

The tricky part is to be sure there is transparency and clarity—especially if two products look very similar. For example, if there are a few protein bars on the shelf to choose from that are all the same brand, it may look like the only differences between them are the flavours, but there may actually be different/more nutrients or “active ingredients” (e.g., caffeine).

This means that as health pros, we should ensure our clients and customers know *exactly* what we’re recommending before purchasing. And that manufacturers and retailers ensure clear labelling.

Also, consumers should always be encouraged to read labels before purchasing their health foods. Knowing what you’re consuming is always a good thing.

Speaking of “near” beers . . .

2 – Non-alcoholic drinks (mocktails, near beers, etc.) seem to be gaining more and more popularity as the years go by

Non-alcoholic and alcohol-free drinks have been at the trade show for several years now and seem to be gaining more and more ground. There are a lot of options available for those who want to have a nice cocktail, wine, or beer without the effects of alcohol (as we know, alcohol is not a health food).

Non-alcoholic “near” beers

Sparkling tea in wine bottles

Assorted non-alcoholic beverages

With all of the damage alcohol does to human health and society at large, the trend away from alcoholic beverages is certainly positive (personally, I’ve cut down on my alcohol intake and probably average about 1-2 alcohol-containing drinks per month).

One thing to note is that some of these non-alcoholic beverages contain a lot of sugar, so it’s a good idea to keep that in mind. Here’s my tip: I sometimes turn one mocktail into two drinks by pouring half into a glass and filling with plain soda water and ice. This way, I can enjoy two bubbly drinks before taking in the sugar from just one.

3 – Eco-friendly and socially responsible products

It’s always great to see eco-friendly and socially responsible initiatives such as smarter packaging, reducing food waste, using less plastic (for packaging, reusable period products, etc.), and paying farmers a fair wage.

At a time when many people’s concern for the natural earth, other people, and life as we know it seems to be on the backburner due to other urgent issues, I respect those who continue to show leadership.

Mother nature is being pushed to limits on so many fronts (that are already affecting food and nutrition, etc.) and those negatively impact human health. We know that climate change increases the severity and frequency of weather events (droughts, wildfires, heat domes, hurricanes, atmospheric rivers, etc.) 🫠—including major impacts to growing nutritious and healthy food—plus, all of the research coming out about the negative effects of plastics.

Personally, I applaud all of these sustainable initiatives.

Sustainability pledge

Upcycled fruit

Plastic free

There were also several companies that promoted their values on their labels: Fair Trade, Direct Trade, B Corps, etc.

Socially responsible products (Fair Trade, Direct Trade, B Corps)

4 – Plant-based protein replacements

I think we can agree that eating a nutritious diet with a lot of fruits and vegetables is much more sustainable for the environment, and healthy for your heart and brain, lowering risk for cancer, among other health benefits. Plus, processed meats and high intakes of red meats are linked with higher rates of heart disease, diabetes, cancers, and premature death. So, taking a step or two to cut down on processed and red meat intakes are health promoting.

At the trade show, I notice that the quality of meat substitutes seems to get better every year.

Plant-based fish that looks pretty convincing

In addition to the fish above, there was also vegetarian spam, and a tofu made from fava beans instead of soy (for those who have soy allergies, or just want something different). Of course, we can simply eat more beans and legumes and other plant-based proteins as they are without putting them into meat-looking products, but some prefer higher quality meat-like substitutes.

5 – Indigenous-led and proudly Canadian companies

I don’t remember seeing Indigenous-led companies before this latest trade show (maybe I just didn’t notice before?), so it was great to see a few here. Below are some examples of foods/drinks sold by Indigenous-led companies in Canada.

Indigenous coffee and tea company

Indigenous-led bison products

Traditional bison strips with natural Canadian flavours

Speaking of Canada, many of the products at the trade show were imports from other countries, but many (most?) were Products of Canada (98% Cdn) or Made in Canada (51% Cdn). A few even proudly showed off their maple leaves or local branding right on the front of the label. (This was before it was cool.)

Proudly showing off their Canadian maple leaves and local branding . . . before it was cool

6 – Nutrient and dietary claims

This isn’t a new trend, but I want to share some of the newer products and claims being made. The photos below show some examples of promoted health food products with nutrient claims (low/high sugar/protein/fibre) and dietary claims (vegan/keto/paleo or gluten/dairy/nut/allergen-free). Of course, in Canada there are regulations requiring mandatory allergen labelling, bilingual labelling, truthful labelling, and what “high” or “low” in something is defined as. Since the CHFA trade show was for members of the health food industry only and no products were for sale or made available to consumers, some of the product samples were labelled for their local markets. This means that some product labels will need to change when they’re being sold in Canada.

Fun fact: In Canada, even the term “natural” means something specific. If any food sold in Canada claims to be natural it must not contain added nutrients, artificial flavourings, or additives; must not have had any parts removed or significantly changed (except the removal of water); and must not have been significantly processed.

Examples of nutrient claims (e.g., high/low protein/fibre/sugar, etc.)

Ingredient/dietary claims (e.g., keto/paleo/vegan or dairy/nut/gluten-free, etc.)

7 – “Healthier” convenience foods

In an ideal world, we can all know great nutrition information, and have the motivation and skills to make all meals and snacks from scratch based on whole foods. Unfortunately, we know this is a challenge for many. So here are some examples of “healthier” beverages, instant meals, and grab-and-go snacks.

Beverages, including sugar/dairy/lactose-free and those with added electrolytes/probiotics

Instant ramen options

Not-so-common grab-and-go snack ideas

8 – Cleaning, hygiene, and self-care/beauty products

At the CHFA trade show there were many non-edible products, like those for cleaning, hygiene, and self-care/beauty. Many also embrace some of the values that health foods showed as listed above. There are eco-friendly, non-toxic, B Corps, and proudly Canadian products available.

Examples of eco-friendly, non toxic, and proudly Canadian cleaning products

Soaps, detergents, and hygiene products

When it comes to beauty, I’m partial to SPF 15+ sunscreen-containing skin products because preventing cancer (and premature skin aging like spots and wrinkles) has been part of my tried-and-true daily self-care regimen since I was a teen. This is especially important now that many people are spreading myths and scaring people away from protecting their precious skin.

Plus, I personally know four people who have gotten cancerous growths removed from their faces and necks due to UV exposure. I’m big on prevention, so SPF is an easy way to do just that.

Self-care and beauty products

9 – The most delicious foods I sampled

While I can’t say that I’ve tried everything here, I can say that some of the products tasted amazing! Some of my personal favs (not necessarily the most nutritious) are in the image below.

Some of the most delicious products I sampled

Final thoughts on the health food and self-care product trends

There are so many amazing health food and self-care products available today. Many companies are making the healthiest, most delicious products and keeping sustainability, local manufacturing, and social responsibility front and centre. I will be watching out for more new products, companies, and trends and sharing them so we can all support greater health of people individually and socially, as well as a future of nutritious foods and clean water and air.

What are your thoughts?

Which of these products, companies, or trends resonate most with you? Do you plan on trying or recommending any of these foods or self-care products?

I’d love to know in the comments below!